Student of the Month – Gerti Partsch Miller

Dancing tango since: Gerti took her first tango lesson in February, 2012 while on a trip to Buenos Aires with her husband. “I already had it in mind to expose myself to tango,” she says.

When she returned, she went on Tango Mango and found Alma del Tango. “I loved the name, and when I read Debbie’s bio I was very impressed, so I booked a class with her.” Gerti took a few private lessons with Debbie, then started attending classes and practicas.

Why tango: Gerti has always loved dancing…growing up Austria she danced the Viennese waltz. Now she’s entranced by the Argentine vals. Gerti believes that people who dance have much joy in their life. “Dancing transforms me somehow…better than the gym,” she says.

Gerti’s first pair of tango shoes!

Favorite part: The musicality, passion and aesthetic of tango. One of her highlights was buying her first pair of tango shoes in Buenos Aires.

About Debbie & John: They embody the “soul of tango,” observes Gerti. “I’m very blessed that I found them. Alma del Tango is unique…it’s not like any other venue.”

About performing in Close Embrace: “When Debbie asked me to dance in the show I said, I don’t know if I can do it, I’m such a beginner. She said ‘yes, you can dance in the women’s choreography.’ In my wildest dream I couldn’t have imagined being in a production like this.”

Anything else? “Close Embrace was definitely a challenge for me but with everyone’s help and encouragement I felt very well taken care of. The professionalism and support made me want to do another show next year.”

Share your thoughts with Gerti below.

Oblivion, the women’s choreography for Close Embrace.Gerti pictured kneeling lower left